Formby man jailed for nine years after being found guilty of two counts of sexual assault on a littl

Andrew Dixon, 39, of Grasmere Road, Formby, has been jailed for nine years after being found guilty of two counts of sexual assault on a little girl.

The Formby man who sexually abused a little girl laughed and shook his head as a court was told how the attacks had affected his victim and her mum.

Andrew Dixon, 39, denied any wrongdoing but was found guilty after a trial of two sexual assaults on a child under the age of 13.

Liverpool Crown Court heard today that Dixon, still maintained his denials as he was jailed for nine years.

A victim personal statement written by the victim’s mum, was read out in court. It said the attacks changed their lives forever.

She said when her daughter first revealed the “heinous” crimes, she hoped it was a misunderstanding , but soon realised “this devastating disclosure was true”.

The woman said she had received counselling during “the hardest time of my life” and dreaded to think what could have happened if the abuse had continued.

Andrew Dixon shook his head in the dock and started smirking and laughing as the statement was read. He expressed disbelief to supporters in the public gallery, before holding his head in his hands and shaking.

Sarah Holt, defending, said Dixon did not have any previous convictions and was a man of positive good character. She said: “The defendant vehemently maintains his denials despite the convictions." She went on to say that the defence had heard from numerous witnesses who were called as to the positive aspects of his character.

The Judge David Aubrey, QC explained that the victim's mum initially hoped her daughter was saying something innocent that just sounded wrong but the Jury found and were sure that she was not just saying something innocent.

The judge said Dixon’s victim had to recount how he molested her at the trial. He said: “She was a sweet, innocent, beautiful young girl. The little girl’s life would never be the same again because of Dixon’s sexual abuse."

Judge Aubrey said there were many references from people who described him in positive terms, but they were not aware of what he did “behind closed doors”.

Dixon began to cry as the judge jailed him and said he was an offender of particular concern, who will serve an additional year on licence. The sentence means he will spend at least four and a half years in prison and only be released if a parole board decides he is no longer a risk to the public.

Judge Aubrey told him to sign on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and made him subject to indefinite sexual harm prevention and restraining orders.

It was reported that Dixon waved to supporters in the public gallery as he was sent down.